Weber Q1200 vs Q2200

The Q1200 and Q2200 are arguably Weber’s two most popular gas grills. Both are in the portable/tabletop section of the market, and they bring a lot of value to the table. Let’s take a look at which of these two will be the better choice for you as I round up the most important differences for you.

Weber Q1200 vs Q2200 Comparison Chart

A comparison chart is always a good way to start as it puts things into perspective quickly. As you can see, the biggest difference between these two grills is the size and of course the price, which we’ll get to at the end of the article. The build quality on both units is superb.

Weber Q1200 vs Q2200 Comparison

Time for a more in-depth look at the differences and what practical impact they have.

1. Total Cooking Area

So, we’re looking at a 91 square inch difference. It sounds like quite a bit, but due to the nature of squaring anything it turns out not to be that big a deal after all.

Weber indicates the difference in hamburger count. The Q1200 can accommodate eight normal size hamburgers, while you can fit in 11 on the Q2200. Not a big difference, but if you have a lot of stuff to grill it can cut down on some time.

Okay, let’s put it into a picture, that should be fun for everyone. Only I used chicken fillets but hey, it’s just for illustration. Use your imagination hard enough and they can turn into hamburgers. It would seem that you can get another three or four pieces on there with the extra size offered by the Q2200.

2. Burners and Heat

Weber Q1200:
Single burner, 8,500 BTU

Weber Q2200:
Single burner, 12,000 BTU

On both models you get a D-burner that distributes heat nicely around the inside of the dome.

3. Dimensions

Q1200:

Height: 24.4 inches
Width: 40.9 inches
Depth: 20.5 inches

Q2200:

Height: 26 inches
Width: 51.4 inches
Depth: 25.1 inches

So clearly, the dimensions, heat output and available cooking space are really the only big differences between the two models. Both of them use electronic ignition, offer you folding side tables, built-in lid thermometers, Weber’s trusty porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates and a glass reinforced nylon frame.

4. Colors

The Weber Q1200 brings some color to your grilling world. Below are just a few of the color schemes on offer. Unfortunately, at the time of this writing, there is no similar color range available for the Q2200. If you want to go a little more funky then, the Q1200 has you covered.

Consumer Ratings:

Weber Q1200:

Amazon.com: 4.7 out of 5

Consumer Satisfaction Ratio: 94%

That tells you a story, doesn’t it? Weber has its detractors, but its grills top the customer satisfaction scores and no brand even comes close in that respect. The Q1200 is a tested and proven grill.

The first major problem that people have highlighted is that, especially in winter, this grill may be a little underpowered and you’ll have your work cut out for you to generate good searing heat. I don’t know, maybe some units have a gas blockage or some other problem, because I get good heat time and again. The other complaint, and one I can agree with, is that the side tables aren’t as sturdy as they can be and you can’t put all that much on them.

Weber Q2200:

Amazon.com: 4.7 out of 5

Consumer Satisfaction Ratio: 92%

Once again the Q2200 suffers complaints about low heat, but while this thing is probably not going to sear like a champ under all conditions, it distributes heat evenly and cooks beautifully. Do a proper pre-heat and you can get a nice sear and seal on those steaks. The extra space in this unit perhaps needed just a little more punch from the burners to get good searing heat. As with the Q1200, the side tables are also rather flimsy.

Conclusion: Weber Q1200 vs Q2200

The Q1200 is not a big grill, but if you’re only ever cooking for two or three people and want something that’s easily portable for those camping trips, it’s a good choice. You also get the different color schemes, if that’s at all important to you (check out that snazzy black unit before you snort too loudly in derision).

The Q2200 offers you extra size, which you’ll certainly appreciate if you’re cooking for a large family of a bunch of friends. Proper pre-heating is necessary if you want a good sear, but otherwise it’s a nice, even grill.